How to Grow Zucchini
Providing Suitable Conditions
Zucchini can be grown twice a year: once in March and again in August. The ideal conditions for growing zucchini include the right location, proper soil preparation, and suitable temperatures. As zucchini is a tropical plant, it is sensitive to frost. It is essential to provide adequate sunlight, so choose a location that receives six to ten hours of sunlight daily. The optimal temperature for zucchini growth should be above 21°C (70°F). Zucchini can be harvested 40 to 60 days after planting.
Planting the Seeds
After the frost period has passed, plant zucchini seeds at a depth of 2.54 cm (1 inch) in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure that the seeds are spaced at least 91.44 cm (3 feet) apart from the center. In densely planted gardens, this distance can be reduced to 45.72 cm (1.5 feet).
Zucchini can also be grown in containers with a minimum diameter of 61 cm (24 inches) and a depth of 30.48 cm (12 inches). Any type of container is suitable for zucchini, as long as it has good drainage holes at the bottom. When planting in containers, use lightweight, well-draining potting soil, and avoid using garden soil, which may contain pests. Place two or three seeds in the center of the container, about 2.54 cm (1 inch) deep, with a few centimeters of spacing between each seed.
Watering the Zucchini Plant
It is important to keep the soil around zucchini plants moist. While the soil can dry out slightly, it should not be left to dry completely or become overly saturated. During cool weather, water the plants once a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of 60.96–91.44 cm (24–36 inches). In the summer, water the plants two to three times a week.
